The rapid rise of Maro Itoje

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Photos:England rugby's next big thing

Rugby's rising star Maro Itoje will return to international duty as England seeks to defend its Six Nations title.

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Photos:England rugby's next big thing

Itoje is only in his fourth season of professional rugby, but he is already considered one of the world's best players.

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Photos:England rugby's next big thing

All rounder – Growing up, he proved himself to be a natural sportsman, excelling at rugby, football, basketball and shotput.

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Photos:England rugby's next big thing

Hitting heights – His size and athleticism make the second-row forward a natural lineout target.

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Photos:England rugby's next big thing

Power play – Itoje has also proven his power in the tackle and breakdown areas, something he attributes to throwing the shotput as a teenager.

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Photos:England rugby's next big thing

England debut – Itoje came off the bench to make his England debut in the 2016 Six Nations clash with Italy. He was man of the match against Wales later in the tournament as unbeaten England won its first title since 2011.

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Photos:England rugby's next big thing

Whitewash – Itoje played every minute of England's 3-0 whitewash over Australia in June 2016 -- the first time it had won an away series against the Wallabies. However, injury ruled him out of the November international series.

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Photos:England rugby's next big thing

Love-locked – With his club Saracens, Itoje has won two English Premiership titles, the European Champions Cup and the LV= Cup. Here, he celebrates European glory with fellow England lock George Kruis.

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Photos:England rugby's next big thing

Team player – Itoje has quickly established himself as a core member of Saracens' squad since making his senior debut in the 2013-14 season.

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Photos:England rugby's next big thing

Shoes to fill – Saracens' defense coach Paul Gustard has said Itoje could be as good as former England captain Martin Johnson. The 2003 World Cup winner also wore the No. 4 shirt.

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He's only 22, but Maro Itoje has already won more trophies than most rugby players could dream of.